Italian Rice Balls

Ingredients:

• Contents of recipe for "Parmesan Risotto," cooled (the colder it is, the easier it will be to form)
• 1 1/2 cups of Italian style breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup of mozzarella, cut into 3/4" cubes
• Vegetable oil

Directions:

Place 1 cup of breadcrumbs in a bowl and put aside. Take the remaining breadcrumbs (1/2 cup) and mix together with eggs, Parmesan cheese, risotto, and basil. Dampen hands and form about 1- 3/4 inch diameter balls. Insert a cube of cheese into the middle of each ball and enclose it with risotto. Roll each ball into the separate bowl of breadcrumbs.

Fill the bottom of a pan with vegetable oil. Wait for it to heat and then drop balls into the pan. Turn them occasionally until they are golden brown all around. When they are finished cooking, place them on paper towels to drain oil. Enjoy!

During my first year of graduate school, I made these rice balls for my class to signify a food from my culture. Everyone loved them and encouraged me to add them to this blog! Rice balls are a fun food to make with children, as rolling the rice balls is everyone's favorite part! When you eat them, make sure to look for the melted mozzarella cheese surprise in the middle!